When it comes to planning a data center move, few moments bring more anxiety than the final GO/NO-GO decision. Many organizations halt moves at the last minute—not because something is actually wrong, but because fear takes over. Fear-based delays create chaos, inflate costs, and often trigger unnecessary rework.

A well-defined GO/NO-GO Checklist removes uncertainty and ensures decisions are based on facts, not emotions. Before move day arrives, your team should work through every potential point of failure so nothing is left to chance.

Why a GO/NO-GO Checklist Matters

Your GO/NO-GO criteria establishes the minimum conditions required for the move to proceed. When used correctly, it:

• Reduces last-minute confusion
• Ensures consistency and accountability
• Identifies gaps in planning before they become emergencies
• Protects timelines, budgets, and operational integrity

This checklist becomes the single source of truth your team relies on during the critical hours leading up to execution.

Essential GO/NO-GO Criteria for a Data Center Move

A strong GO/NO-GO Checklist should answer one question clearly: Is the organization ready to move—yes or no?

Here are the key elements that must be confirmed:

1. Move Rehearsal Completed

Has the full rehearsal (or dry run) been performed, and were all exceptions and lessons learned incorporated into the updated Batting Order?
Note: We’ll dive deeper into Move Rehearsals in next week’s blog.

2. Pre-Move Communications Sent

Have all required internal and external communications been delivered?
Were any exceptions or unresolved concerns documented?

3. Resources Identified, Available, and Notified

Every role—from Move Commander to technical specialists—must be confirmed as ready and available.

4. Validation Tests Finalized

Are post-move validation tests clearly defined?
Do they have assigned owners who understand their responsibilities?

5. Contingency Plan Ready

Has the fallback plan been reviewed and approved?
Are contingency resources on standby?

6. Move Commander Assigned

Is there a single point of authority who owns the timeline, sequencing, communication, and decision-making?

7. Collaboration Tools Tested

Has the bridge dial-in, communication channels, and shared documentation been tested and verified?

8. Rollback Plan Reviewed

If the move fails, is the rollback plan known, documented, and rehearsed?

Final Reminder: Identify Anything That Could Stop the Move

Spend time brainstorming every scenario—technical, operational, environmental, and logistical—that could impact the success of your move. When you remove surprises, you remove fear. When the team knows the criteria, they also know exactly what must be completed to achieve a solid GO.

A data center relocation is one of the most high-risk, high-impact operational events an organization will ever execute. The cost of missed details is enormous—and the consequences are never pleasant.

Need Expert Support? We Can Help.

Electronic Transport Corp. has 20+ years of experience executing complex data center relocations across enterprise facilities, colocation environments, DR sites, and hybrid infrastructures. While every move has similarities, no two are identical—and experience matters.

If you’re planning a data center move, contact us today for a No Obligation Consultation. We’ll help ensure your GO/NO-GO criteria—and your entire move strategy—sets you up for success.

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✅ create a downloadable GO/NO-GO checklist

Just let me know!